ViaValtellina

Hike far and wide: Culture on the move

The ViaValtellina follows the trade route once taken by mule trains through three countries, three language regions and three cultures. For centuries, wine from Valtellina has been enjoyed in Graubünden and the Vorarlberg. It used to be brought over the Bernina Pass by mule train.

The ViaValtellina runs from Austria to Italy via Switzerland, from the Vorarlberg to the Engadin and from Valposchiavo to Valtellina. TheViaValtellina lets you wander wherever your fancy takes you, enjoy fine dining and rustic accommodation. You can jump back on the train whenever you need to. And the RhB ensures that your luggage follows (almost) everywhere you go.

The ViaValtellina packages include overnight accommodation with half board and packed lunches, luggage transfers, use of the train along the route, return journey on the Bernina and Albula lines, plus an informative travel guide.

Three travel-experience packages let you follow in the tracks of the muleteers and vintners:

Carefree hiking

Hiking documentation

Anticipation is half the fun. To let you make the best possible preparations for your journey, you will receive detailed hiking documentation including descriptions of the routes, hiking maps and recommendations on the sights worth seeing.

Scaletta Pass

The hiking trail over the Scaletta Pass runs from Davos through the unspoilt natural landscape of the Dischma Valley, up to an altitude of 2,606 metres above sea level and back down through Val Susauna to S-chanf in the Engadin. Highlights along the way include the villages of Dürrboden and Susauna, former stages on the old mule trail.

Bild: rotscherbikeblog.ch

Bernina Pass

This hike takes you through the mighty mountain landscape of the Bernina Range up onto the 'rooftop' of the Rhaetian Railway. The Ospizio Bernina is situated at 2,253 metres above sea level. You can grab a refreshing coffee or tea in the freshly renovated Albergo bistro at the summit. In the distance you can see melt waters flowing down into the valley, adding a touch of colour: white for Lago Bianco, black for Lej Nair. Welcome to the Bernina watershed.

Alp Grüm

The view from here is unforgettable: the Palü Glacier, Bernina Range, Bergamasque Alps and all Valposchiavo. On the sunny terrace of the Restaurant Alp Grüm, the owner serves genuine pizzocheri – the legendary buckwheat noodles – made to his own special recipe.

Poschiavo

The picturesque village of Poschiavo is dominated by three towers: the Romanesque tower of the Catholic Church, the Baroque tower of the Reformed Church and the medieval tower of the town hall. The landlords of the typical Graubünden restaurants in the village take pride in their delicious Pizzoccheri. A glass of Veltliner will also stand you in good stead. Viva!

Alp San Romerio

A mountain hostel and a tiny church perch high above the Lago di Poschiavo. Alp San Romerio is situated on a hillside terrace 800 metres above the lake and offers stunning views out over Valposchiavo as far as Tirano. At the mountain hostel, typical regional dishes are served in an authentic ambience.